Topic: Liverpool confirm decision to redevelop Anfield

[TepidT2O]

Mate of mine's brother involved with the re-development, said something about the extension of the Anfield Road stand, sounds like some crazy shit, bringing it back really far and building a tunnel over the Anfield Road.

60,000 seater Anfield is going to be incredible though, can't wait

Makes sense.

[CraigDS]

Makes sense.

Hope that's sarcasm as I really don't see any sense in spanning a seldom used road which could be closed with little impact or reroute e behind any new stand on non-match days.

[TepidT2O]

Hope that's sarcasm as I really don't see any sense in spanning a seldom used road which could be closed with little impact or reroute e behind any new stand on non-match days.

No, it makes sense if the council doesn't want to close or move it.

Don't think it would be a great problem.

[gorgepir]

Hope that's sarcasm as I really don't see any sense in spanning a seldom used road which could be closed with little impact or reroute e behind any new stand on non-match days.

Isn't it closed gamedays anyway? The only reason I could see them going this (expensive) route would be to make it fancy-looking like the Americans like.

Maybe it is harder to convince the council to reroute than to just build over?

[CraigDS]

The council could be an issue, I get that.

However it's not a major road, it's basically a through road from Walton Lane to the top of Arkles Lane. If you closed it totally just before the stadium starts then people would still have access to the houses from the Walton Lane end, and is a simple drive down one of the many roads behind the Centenary to join Walton Breck Rd to get to the houses from that side of the ground.

I really don't see the issue with closing it totally, but anyway I presume if the new Anny Rd is being built that far back then the 'fan zone' area that is currently there will become a permanent pedestrianised area, so again see no reason why Anny Rd can't do a quick turn around the new stand and use this space during the week with it closed off (as it is now) during match days.

Also if you have to build over the road you lose a lot of 'floor space' within the ground that could be used for other amenities within (and outside for fans) the ground. Bar, shop, etc.

[Veinticinco de Mayo]

Hope that's sarcasm as I really don't see any sense in spanning a seldom used road which could be closed with little impact or reroute e behind any new stand on non-match days.

Hardly seldom used and essential for match access access egress and emergency service access I would have thought

[CraigDS]

Hardly seldom used and essential for match access access egress and emergency service access I would have thought

Would still have access to both sides of the ground from all sides including what will presumably a pedestrianised area behind the new stand (where current fanzone thing is).

[Veinticinco de Mayo]

Would still have access to both sides of the ground from all sides including what will presumably a pedestrianised area behind the new stand (where current fanzone thing is).

Not really enough for a through flow of traffic if required especially if something meant Walton Breck was blocked with spectators.

[Alan_X]

Isn't it closed gamedays anyway? The only reason I could see them going this (expensive) route would be to make it fancy-looking like the Americans like.

Maybe it is harder to convince the council to reroute than to just build over?

It wouldn't necessarily make a lot of difference to the cost. Re-routing might well be more expensive.

[CraigDS]

Not really enough for a through flow of traffic if required especially if something meant Walton Breck was blocked with spectators.

Is more than enough behind (between what is Anny Rd now and the car park on the park which gets used on match days) for there to be a pedestrianised area and road during the week that is twice as wide as the current Anny Rd (which is a very narrow road with small footpaths).

[Peter McGurk]

Peter, you won't be saying that when you're sitting on the "Keeping Up With The Kardashians" Kop   


Just giving what bit of info I've got here for everyone. At this moment in time as far as my mate's aware, none of the owners of Lothair Road have come to agreement over prices. They've only had the one valuation which everyone was unhappy with, given the prices of similar sized houses in Rockfield and Arkles Lane that are up for sale at the moment. So they're currently negotiating the values. At least one resident has said that he won't sell at any price because he thinks that he can hold the club to ransom. But he'll end up a big loser from the sound of things if he plays that particular card because all parties are confident of getting CP's as a final solution. As for my mate, he's happy to sell at a price a bit higher than what they've offered, because they've been told that the state of the roads won't be taken into consideration for valuation purposes. If they start building in May though, I'll eat my hat.

God almighty. What happened to our outlook? Have we been ground down by Hicks and Gillett? Have they actually won? Have we been broken by it all? Nil carborundum mate. The right sponsors for Anfield will complement the brand - not wreck it. Look on the positive side FGS.

You hear stories. I hear stories. They amount to the same thing. Negotiations are moving in a positive direction. All good.

But no. We won’t start serious stadium work in May. We might carry on with the tinkering we’ve been doing but nothing major. No way.

I can see work on housing starting in May - in a small way but it would be a start. Maybe. Only Maybe

[Peter McGurk]

Yeah, ta indeed mate.

Would the club be able to do any quiet prep work during the delay Architect dudes? That's an assumption I'm making in my head.

Of course. But if I was paying the bills, I'd keep it down till the 'ground rules' (what's happening in the area) have been finally established.

[Peter McGurk]

I was expecting three tiers.  I guess it will be the Arsenal arrangement

            Plebs
      c*nts
Plebs

Not at all necessary. The Arse have an arse of a stadium. we won't be doing that.

[Peter McGurk]

Hope that's sarcasm as I really don't see any sense in spanning a seldom used road which could be closed with little impact or reroute e behind any new stand on non-match days.

It is a lot simpler to keep a public road than to close it or divert it and it's no biggee to build over it and have it as a concourse on matchdays (the ghost of Xerxes lingers...).

In the UK, see Union Road (Old Trafford) and the Holte End (Aston Villa) or in Europe; Ajax or Vicente de Calderon or...

[Veinticinco de Mayo]

Peter. Having read the last few posts you need to start trying to construct a sense of humour for yourself mate. You seem to have a reinforced steel girder up your arse old chap.

Smile. Take things less seriously. Don't come across as such a tedious fuck. That kinda blueprint

[Peter McGurk]

Peter. Having read the last few posts you need to start trying to construct a sense of humour for yourself mate. You seem to have a reinforced steel girder up your arse old chap.

Smile. Take things less seriously. Don't come across as such a tedious fuck. That kinda blueprint

I'll do that then.

[TepidT2O]

I'll do that then.

I think all the years of having to put up with xerxes1 ruined your patience

[macca888]

God almighty. What happened to our outlook? Have we been ground down by Hicks and Gillett? Have they actually won? Have we been broken by it all? Nil carborundum mate. The right sponsors for Anfield will complement the brand - not wreck it. Look on the positive side FGS.

You're right of course Peter. Krispy Kreme Kop, Celebrity Big Brother Centenary and Ann Summers Anny Road it is then   

In all seriousness though, I'm a sell out considering we need the money to compete on the pitch. Long gone are my idyllic and romantic notions about footy. For all I care, they could call it the Massive Dildo Main Stand as long as they stump up enough cash.

[Farman]

^ That would make sense. Those stands are already full of doughnuts, wannabies, big girl's blouses and nobs.

[gorgepir]

So are we expecting the normal stalling or some real news?

@LivEchoLFC: Loads more still to come with #LFC's Ian Ayre in tomorrow's Echo, including Anfield stadium latest #justsayin

[CraigDS]

So are we expecting the normal stalling or some real news?

The next news of progress will probably come from the LCC given they are the ones required to take the next steps.

[Peter McGurk]

I think all the years of having to put up with xerxes1 ruined your patience

Yes, I think we've all been through those issues before. This might be a slightly different way of looking at it... http://petermcgurk.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/standing-up-for-anfield-redevelopment.html

[JohnHobbes]

So are we expecting the normal stalling or some real news?

Depends whether you come into this thread with a predisposition on what you're expecting to see. If there is no news then we'll see nothing (you might call it stalling) and if there is news then we'll see it. It really is that simple.

[18 yard line]

Great read as always Peter.  This is an emotional debate for LFC fans and the city but it needs to be had. 

[Hank Scorpio]

Reading the thread and Al said that we are 4-5 years away from the redevelopment.  Al would probably admit himself that he is a pessimist but how accurate is he?

[gorgepir]

Echo

LIVERPOOL FC’S £150million project to redevelop Anfield remains on track with the club hoping to submit a planning application in the spring.

Back in October, owners Fenway Sports Group announced they had shelved plans to build a new stadium in Stanley Park in favour of refurbishing the club’s current home.

It’s part of a huge Liverpool City Council led regeneration project for the Anfield area and will involve major extensions to the Main Stand and Anfield Road stand to boost the capacity to around 60,000.

Over the past three months the council have been negotiating the purchase of homes which will be demolished to make room for Anfield’s expansion.

“We are very pleased with progress,” said Reds MD Ian Ayre.

“A lot of work has gone on behind the scenes particularly with the acquisition of properties and architectural work to look at designs and plans which would be submitted for planning permission.

“We’ve got a meeting coming up in the next few weeks with the steering group which is made up of the various parties who were present when the announcement about the regeneration was made.

“Certainly in terms of milestones that we set ourselves, we are on track. We’re pleased with the way we’re heading and there’s no reason to feel anything other than optimistic.”



Read more: Liverpool Echo http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2013/01/17/liverpool-fc-s-150million-redevelopment-of-anfield-is-on-track-100252-32618291/#ixzz2IDxGnwDR

[paulrazor]

queue the conspiracy theorists. "pr stunt by fenway"

 

[The Lord Admiral]

If I was a cynical man, I'd think that the meeting in a few weeks coincides with the end of the transfer window and we'll get a bit of news on the day after it closes. Just to take the edge off any disappointment.

[Trim0582]

Wait I'm confused - isn't this a good thing

Council have begun negotiating with residents to buy up land/property - That surely suggests a level of commitment on all sides to see this through.

[The Lord Admiral]

Yes, I think we've all been through those issues before. This might be a slightly different way of looking at it... http://petermcgurk.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/standing-up-for-anfield-redevelopment.html

Admire you for sticking your head out on this one, it's extremely emotive because of our history. Having read your posts over the years, you've often voiced (at least I think you have) the need for tickets at affordable prices for people of the city. And as we know, those people are increasingly being priced out of seeing games.

I did a paper round in Warrington as a kid. Was an hour a day, 7 days a week and I used to get £9 for it. Was the biggest round at the shop, and the best paid. This was 87-90. I can't remember how much a Kop ticket was in those days, but thats when I started going on my own with mates. Think I got 2 pounds off each of my grandads as well. This isn't supposed to be misty eyed nostalgia, the point is at that age, I could afford to go to the game, get a ticket and stand on the Kop.

20 odd years on, I can't help think the only way we're going to get a new generation of youngsters to support the club withe same passion and excitement, is to start getting kids like me from Liverpool and the all the other wooly surrounding areas, is by getting tickets right down in price and accessible. Some of the economic stuff Peter has posted on here show that we just can't build an 85,00-90000 seater stadium and charge at tenner for the Kop and the nosebleed seats and make it work financially. The costs of that stadium are just too high.

Safe standing is the only answer that I can see. Controversial as it may be, I think of any club in the league if someone is goign to go down that route it should be us first. I think I recently saw that half a dozen premier league clubs were seriously looking at it. It'll stir some pretty intense debate I'd have thought, but it just might be the thing that keeps Liverpool FC something special for the next few generations.

[The Lord Admiral]

Wait I'm confused - isn't this a good thing

Council have begun negotiating with residents to buy up land/property - That surely suggests a level of commitment on all sides to see this through.

It is if it's serious.

[CraigDS]

It is if it's serious.

If what's serious?

[walshys_mullet]

If I was a cynical man, I'd think that the meeting in a few weeks coincides with the end of the transfer window and we'll get a bit of news on the day after it closes. Just to take the edge off any disappointment.

Loads of people called it. Kenny news, stadium news all in the last throes of the transfer window and there you go.

[Trim0582]

Loads of people called it. Kenny news, stadium news all in the last throes of the transfer window and there you go.

Positive news remains positive, whether or not we sign Ince - I truly don't see what the issue is and I'm not sure viewing it like that is entirely healthy.
I think Ayre and FSG feel they need to do this because of the childish reaction by some of our fans if we don't spend £40mil every window.
What came first, over-reacting fans or stupid PR stunts?

[Peter McGurk]

...Safe standing is the only answer that I can see. Controversial as it may be, I think of any club in the league if someone is goign to go down that route it should be us first. I think I recently saw that half a dozen premier league clubs were seriously looking at it. It'll stir some pretty intense debate I'd have thought, but it just might be the thing that keeps Liverpool FC something special for the next few generations.

I was talking to a Manc this morning (it happens). He said we’d drawn the best all season out of United on Sunday. He thought if we’d gone for it from the off... the point is there’s proper fans at every club and I like to think even more so at this club because of who we are where we are.

So, I do think LFC can take the lead here.

We’ve had the best of days and the worst of days. We know what can happen when it all goes wrong but we also know what’s proper and what’s right.

Standing did not cause Hillsborough. Ineptitude and poor facilities caused Hillsborough. We all expect that the courts will confirm that all that followed was just plain criminal.

Meanwhile ‘proper’ supporters like us are being excluded from the game - not for reasons of Hillsborough or safety but for reasons of controlling drunkenness, ticketless, poor behaviour and most of all hooliganism - all the things that Hillsborough wasn’t.

I do think we can help bring the game back to the fans - of all the PL clubs. Well, not Chelsea...

[JohnHobbes]

If I was a cynical man, I'd think that the meeting in a few weeks coincides with the end of the transfer window and we'll get a bit of news on the day after it closes. Just to take the edge off any disappointment.

What disappointment are you expecting in the transfer window? We've already brought in someone exciting to cover the attack which was always what we needed to do. What else do we need to do, and how much are you expecting to spend in a Jan transfer window? Or is this just speculation for the heck of it?

Loads of people called it. Kenny news, stadium news all in the last throes of the transfer window and there you go.

Again, what do they need to cover up? Are we not buying Messi and they need to hide that? Maybe it's just a timely meeting as things are progressing nicely behind the scenes? No big news to announce until it's done doesn't mean there is no progression... Either way, I'm getting bored of the conspiracy theories as what does it get us to hash this out again and again?

[The Lord Admiral]

If what's serious?

The plans to do a redevelopment, rather than just a good fudge before they sell us on.

[The Lord Admiral]

What disappointment are you expecting in the transfer window? We've already brought in someone exciting to cover the attack which was always what we needed to do. What else do we need to do, and how much are you expecting to spend in a Jan transfer window? Or is this just speculation for the heck of it?

Again, what do they need to cover up? Are we not buying Messi and they need to hide that? Maybe it's just a timely meeting as things are progressing nicely behind the scenes? No big news to announce until it's done doesn't mean there is no progression... Either way, I'm getting bored of the conspiracy theories as what does it get us to hash this out again and again?

You might think signing a striker 5 months after the season after leaving a new manager with one in August deserves a celebration. Righting an absolute amateur fuck up doesn't really get me going.

But this is the stadium thread.

My point was on two or three occasions over the last few years, usually after a raging PR disaster, the club have released stadium news. The most recent one was after the chang fiasco.

There's no conspiracy theory, just a suggestion that we keep our eyes on these owners. They're not in the same league as the last lot, not by a long chalk but they are capable of making mistakes.

For what it's worth the stadium is the one area I think they'll really come through for us. They've done it before, it'll increase our value and it'll secure a legacy for them.

[royhendo]

I think that's a good point Lord Admiral.

[CraigDS]

Out of interest what is the latest PR disaster that required this stadium update? Spending £12m on a player (which is about the 8th largest fee we've ever paid) and getting rid of two highly paid and non-contributing players?

I'd hardly call either PR disasters.

I'd also hazard we have given the LCC some sort of assurances (written maybe?) that we will proceed with the expansion or I highly doubt they'll be attempting to buy up the properties behind the Centenary on just the say so of FSG.